Rucksack frame

ABSTRACT

The rucksack frame comprises longitudinal and transverse plastics members of generally C-shaped cross-section, open towards the rear of the frame. Each member has an integral rib, preferably of round cross-section, which extends along the interior of the member and strengthens it against bending or breaking.

This invention relates to a rucksack frame.

The invention provides a rucksack frame comprising longitudinal and transverse plastics members which are substantially tubular but are open towards the rear of the frame so that they are of generally C-shaped cross-section, each said member having an integral rib extending along its interior.

The ribs strengthen the members against bending or breaking and are preferably of round cross-section. It is also preferable for each member to be strengthened by integral cross-pieces extending across its interior at spaced intervals. At least some of the said members may be locally filled in by integral blocks through which pass holes for attachment cords; such blocks also strengthen the members. Struts, preferably of I-section, may conveniently interconnect the said members.

The invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a rucksack frame, with the support part raised;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the frame, with the support part lowered (the raised position being indicated by chain-dotted line);

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the frame, with the support part raised;

FIG. 4 is a section on line IV--IV in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a section on line V--V in FIG. 3.

The rucksack frame illustrated comprises two parts which each consist of a plastics moulding, viz. a main part 1 which is specially shaped to fit the wearer's back and a support part 2 hinged to the main part. The frame has two longitudinal members or pillars 3 and a plurality of transverse members 4. The members 3,4 are substantially tubular but are open towards the rear of the frame (see FIG. 3) so that they are of generally C-shaped cross-section (see FIG. 4, for example). Each member 3 or 4 has an integral rib 6 of round cross-section extending along its interior diametrically opposite the opening in the member. The ribs 6 strengthen the hollow members 3,4 against bending or breaking.

The members 3,4 are not entirely hollow along their length. Firstly they are additionally strengthened by integral plate-like cross-pieces 7 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Secondly they are locally filled in by integral blocks 8 (FIG. 3); at these positions holes 9 (FIGS. 1 and 3) are formed for attachment cords. Thirdly, two hinge pins 11 pass through similar filled-in parts of the respective longitudinal members or pillars 3 and carry respective brackets 12 integrally formed on the support part 2.

The transverse members 4 of the main part 1 are interconnected by longitudinal struts 13 of I-section (see FIG. 5), providing the frame with additional strength and rigidity. The uppermost and lowermost struts 13 are connected to the pillars 3 by similar transverse struts 14, also of I-section. 

I claim:
 1. A rucksack frame comprising longitudinal and transverse plastics members which are substantially tubular but are open towards the rear of the frame so that they are of generally C-shaped cross-section, each said member having an integral rib extending along its interior and with each member having integral cross-pieces extending across its interior at spaced intervals.
 2. The rucksack frame of claim 1, in which the ribs are of round cross-section.
 3. The rucksack frame of claim 1, further comprising plastics struts interconnecting the said members.
 4. The rucksack frame of claim 3, in which the struts are of I-shaped cross-section.
 5. A rucksack frame comprising longitudinal and transverse plastics members which are substantially tubular but are open towards the rear of the frame so that they are of generally C-shaped cross-section, each said member having an integral rib extending along its interior, with at least some of said members having the interior of said C-shaped configuration filled in over only a discreet portion of the length thereof with integral blocks, said blocks having holes formed therethrough. 